The Peoria Tribe of Oklahoma represents a powerful testament to unity and cultural preservation. Comprising the descendants of the Kaskaskia, Peoria, Wea, and Piankashaw tribes, these Algonquian-speaking Native American nations forged a confederation in 1854 in Kansas, eventually becoming a federally recognized tribe in Oklahoma. Their shared heritage, rooted in the lands near the Great Lakes and along the Mississippi River, underpins a story of resilience through forced migration and persistent advocacy.
Ancestral Roots and Early Alliances
Historically, the ancestors of the Peoria resided across what is now Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Missouri. Facing increasing pressure and land cessions, the Peoria made a pivotal decision in 1818, ceding their Illinois lands and uniting with the Kaskaskia, Michigamia, Cahokia, and Tamaroi nations. This strategic alliance was crucial for strengthening their collective power and ensuring their survival.
Many landmarks in the Midwest bear witness to their early presence. The Kaskaskia River and the historic town of Old Kaskaskia, along with its fort, derive their names from the Kaskaskia tribe. French fortifications like Fort de Chartres served as vital trading posts for the Peoria and Kaskaskia in the 1700s, while nearby St. Genevieve, Missouri, offered refuge to displaced members of the Kaskaskia, Peoria, and Wea.
The Western Migration and the Birth of the Confederation
After leaving Illinois, the Peoria settled on 640 acres in Missouri. However, the relentless westward expansion of the United States continued, driven by the government’s desire to open lands for white settlers. In 1832, another treaty forced the allied tribes to cede their Missouri lands for a 96,000-acre reservation in Kansas.
It was during their time in Kansas, under intensified pressure from white settlers, that the crucial bonds between the Peoria, Kaskaskia, Wea, and Piankashaw nations solidified. These growing kinship ties culminated in the signing of a treaty on May 30, 1854, officially establishing the Confederated Peoria. The Hoosier National Forest in Indiana remains a significant ancestral home for the Wea and Piankashaw tribes, holding many sites of deep cultural importance.
Resilience in Oklahoma and Modern Revitalization
The journey of the Confederated Peoria continued with their relocation to a reservation in present-day Ottawa County, northeastern Oklahoma, in 1867. This move, like many before it, was a challenging period, but the tribe’s resolve remained unbroken.
In the mid-20th century, the tribe faced another existential threat: termination by the U.S. government in 1956. However, through determined advocacy and legal efforts, their federal recognition was successfully restored in 1978. Today, the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma is a thriving nation, headquartered in Miami, Oklahoma, with an enrollment of approximately 3,700 members. They are actively engaged in empowering their tribal members, particularly through the vital revitalization of their languages and shared cultures.
Conclusion
The history of the Confederated Tribes, now known as the Peoria Tribe of Oklahoma, is a powerful narrative of adaptation, perseverance, and cultural endurance. From their origins in the Great Lakes region to their eventual settlement in Oklahoma, the tribes faced immense challenges, including forced displacement and threats to their very existence. Yet, through strategic alliances, a deep commitment to kinship, and unwavering advocacy, they not only survived but have also flourished, continuing to strengthen their community and preserve their rich heritage for future generations.
